Better policy needed on caregivers' OT
On behalf of Access Living advocates, consumers, and staff who utilize home services, the 28,000 caregivers in the Home Services Program that SEIU Healthcare Illinois represents and Caring Across Generations, we want to extend a sincere thank you to Rep. Keith Wheeler for his decision to delay a vote on Gov. Rauner's dangerous DHS overtime policy.
That is because this misguided proposed rule threatens the independence of thousands of individuals with disabilities living in our communities, and we are relieved that members of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) agreed that this policy merits more time for further careful consideration.
This was a step in the right direction after a yearlong battle with the Rauner administration through a process that shut out stakeholders and trivialized concerns raised by the disability community.
The threat remains, however, and JCAR is scheduled to vote on this policy at its next meeting, currently slated for February 15.
We urge the members of JCAR, including Rep. Wheeler and Sen. Karen McConnaughay, to listen to the voices of the people with disabilities who will be harmed and vote no on this terrible policy.
We also call on Gov. Rauner to engage stakeholders in a meaningful dialogue to achieve a fair overtime policy that will not risk the health and safety of people with disabilities in Illinois.
Amber Smock, Director of Advocacy at Access Living
Terri Harkin, Vice President at SEIU Healthcare Illinois
Ai-jen Poo, Co-Director at Caring Across Generations
Sugar tax is smart choice
After nearly two years without a budget, we are thrilled to see that Illinois lawmakers are considering passage of a spending plan. Unfortunately, we know there can't be a balanced state budget without new sources of revenue. If taxes must be raised, let's do it thoughtfully and with an eye toward improving public health.
If state taxes must increase, a sugary beverage tax is a smart choice. Most of the added sugar consumed by Americans comes from sugary drinks, and excess sugar in our diets is directly linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other devastating and costly chronic illnesses.
This source of revenue would save lives, prevent the pain of chronic disease and reduce the burden of rising health care costs on our state.
We can make permanent gains in both our fiscal and physical health by directing a portion of the revenue from a sugary drink tax to community prevention initiatives that help drive down healthcare costs even further.
This proposal can be a powerful weapon in our fight against chronic diseases often caused by consuming too much sugar. A tax on sugary drinks can help make the healthy choice the easy choice for millions of residents in our state.
Dr. Jorge Saucedo, American Heart Association Metro Chicago Board of Directors